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A disk jockey in New York City for nearly 50 years, Muni was known as "The Professor" for his deep knowledge of rock 'n' roll music. He started his career in the U.S. Marines in 1950, where he read "Dear John" letters to soldiers on Radio Guam. After his service, he moved to New York, where he ended up on the FM dial, helping to define a different style there than what was found on AM, and creating what became known as "progressive rock" radio. He was once asked what the one thing he wanted to do before dying, and he said nothing -- he had already "done it all. Some I did more than once." He retired from the air after a stroke in January 2004, and died September 28 after suffering continued neurological problems, along with heart and lung ailments. He was 74. From This is True for 26 September 2004 Suggestions for further reading:
 By: Marilyn MansonNeil Strauss List Price: $16.00 Amazon Price: $10.88 Editorial Review: One doesn't usually think of rock stars as insightful, but, against all odds, glam-trash superstar Marilyn Manson has written a book that is actually an intelligent look at growing up. This autobiographical bildungsroman brings out the creepiest aspects of childhood, conveying the terror and fascination that young Marilyn (then called Brian) felt when looking through his grandfather's pornography, getting his first French kiss, and being taunted by the girls he wanted to "date." Manson has the benefit of having grown up as an outcast and loser and then having become a star without forgetting what he went through. This gives him an incredibly broad perspective, which he brings to bear on his ordinary life in order to convey the more potent and frightening moments that shaped him into the pale-skinned weirdo that the Christian Right loves to hate. Best of all, Manson is shockingly honest, and portrays himself as occasionally stupid, self-centered, over-sensitive, ignoble, and, mostly, highly fallible and human. It's a long way from the auto-hagiographies that other stars have written, and it's easily one of the best reads in celebrity bio. --James DiGiovanna The best–selling autobiography of America's most controversial celebrity icon, Marilyn Manson (with a bonus chapter not in the hardcover). In his twenty–nine years, rock idol Manson has experienced more than most people have (or would want to) in a lifetime. Now, in his shocking and candid memoir, he takes readers from backstage to gaol cells, from recording studios to emergency rooms, from the pit of despair to the top of the charts, and recounts his metamorphosis from a frightened Christian schoolboy into the most feared and revered music superstar in the country. Illustrated with dozens of exclusive photographs and featuring a behind–the–scenes account of his headline–grabbing Dead to the World tour.  By: Nikki Sixx List Price: $24.99 Amazon Price: $7.99 Editorial Review: In one of the most unique memoirs of addiction ever published, Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx shares mesmerizing diary entries from the year he spiraled out of control in a haze of heroin and cocaine, presented alongside riveting commentary from people who were there at the time, and from Nikki himself. When Motley Crue was at the height of its fame, there wasn't any drug Nikki Sixx wouldn't do. He spent days -- sometimes alone, sometimes with other addicts, friends, and lovers -- in a coke and heroin-fueled daze. The highs were high, and Nikki's journal entries reveal some euphoria and joy. But the lows were lower, often ending with Nikki in his closet, surrounded by drug paraphernalia and wrapped in paranoid delusions. Here, Nikki shares those diary entries -- some poetic, some scatterbrained, some bizarre -- and reflects on that time. Joining him are Tommy Lee, Vince Neil, Mick Mars, Slash, Rick Nielsen, Bob Rock, and a host of ex-managers, ex-lovers, and more. Brutally honest, utterly riveting, and shockingly moving, The Heroin Diaries follows Nikki during the year he plunged to rock bottom -- and his courageous decision to pick himself up and start living again.  By: Martin Popoff List Price: $19.95 Amazon Price: $13.57 Editorial Review: Celebrating Rush’s 30th anniversary, this retrospective of Canada’s most successful music group examines each of the band's approximately 20 lauded records and sold-out tours, eliciting fresh insights into the marriage of Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee’s classic, fearless art rock sound with Neil Peart's celebrated literary prowess. The product of extensive interviews with all three members and corroborating evidence from key insiders and press, this unprecedented examination features previously unpublished candid photographs by official band photographer Andrew MacNaughtan. Musings on playing live and the grind of touring are presented, revealing the trio’s evolution over the past three decades. A critical eye is focused on the band’s vast catalog, resulting in a comprehensive, forward-moving celebration of one of the most respected yet secretive bands in the music business—one that has never been revealed in book form so personally, directly, or so willingly.  By: Phil CollinsPeter GabrielTony BanksMike RuthefordSteve Hackett List Price: $29.95 Amazon Price: $19.77 Editorial Review: The long-awaited, definitive story of one of the most creative and commercial rock groups of all time, Genesis One of the most imaginative, courageous, and unpredictable music acts ever, Genesis evolved from pioneers of progressive music in the 1970s to a global phenomenon, topping charts and selling over 150 million albums worldwide. The story of their band spans thirty years and thirty albums, and through all the changes in the band’s line-up and musical direction, the spirit of Genesis has remained constant and undimmed. Genesis: Chapter & Verse is the ultimate addition to any fan’s collection, setting the record straight as the band’s members tell their story their way. Remarkably, the band survived the high-profile departure of not one lead vocalist, but two (Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins), two influential guitarists (Anthony Phillips and Steve Hackett), and its best-known drummer (Phil Collins). Genesis simply got stronger and bigger – matching the huge solo success of Gabriel, Collins, and Mike + The Mechanics. A collaboration between all the members of Genesis, past and present, Genesis: Chapter and Verse is the band’s definitive autobiography: an intimate, no-holds-barred, no-stone-unturned history that allows character and personality to come to the forefront. Covering the band’s story as well as the writing and performance of significant songs from each period, this treasure trove of text and photographs provides long-awaited insight into the way this exceptional group of songwriters worked together, allowing the band to dispatch more than a few sacred cows along the way. It is a book like none other, and an exclusive look into the life and times of one of rock’s most influential and lasting groups.  By: Michael MoynihanDidrik Soderlind List Price: $18.95 Amazon Price: $12.89 Editorial Review: "* * * * * *! The most incredible story in the history of music a heavyweight book."-Kerrang! "An unusual combination of true crime journalism, rock and roll reporting and underground obsessiveness, Lords of Chaos turns into one of the more fascinating reads in a long time."-Denver Post A narrative feature film based on this award-winning book has just gone into production. |
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